9 CRO Best Practices to Optimize Your PDPs for Conversions

Best practices

1. Have Breadcrumbs

‍Breadcrumbs are a familiar feature which users have relied on for years. They provide an easy way to navigate between the collection page, product page, and homepage. This enhances the user experience by allowing users to move effortlessly between different sections of the site.

Beyond usability, breadcrumbs also offer significant SEO benefits. They help search engines understand the structure of your website, which improves its crawlability. This can lead to better search rankings and increased visibility.

2. Make the “Add to Cart” CTA Sticky

The sticky Add to Cart button is becoming a standard feature across Ecommerce websites. However, it’s still often overlooked by many businesses. Making the ATC button sticky allows users to quickly add items to their cart without needing to scroll back up. 

This feature is essential for mobile, where users typically scroll more. It can also be highly beneficial on desktop, especially when users scroll through lengthy product descriptions. This simple adjustment can significantly boost conversion rates.

3. Communicate About Shipping and Returns

Addressing fears, uncertainties, and doubts (FUD) is essential to improving user confidence on the PDP. Clearly communicating your shipping and return policies can help alleviate these concerns.

Transparency about shipping times, return windows, and satisfaction guarantees reduces uncertainty. This makes the shopping process smoother for customers. If users know when their item will ship and the return process is easy with no hidden obstacles, they are much more inclined to complete the purchase.

4. Display Recently Viewed Items

A Recently Viewed Items carousel can significantly enhance the user experience, especially for those browsing multiple products. This feature serves as a reminder for users who may have forgotten where they saw a particular product. It allows them to quickly revisit items they’ve previously viewed.

The carousel is also beneficial for returning users, as it helps them resume their shopping journey without starting from scratch. Implementing this feature keeps users engaged and encourages them to complete their purchases.

5. Exploit the Product Pictures

The product image gallery is often where users spend a significant amount of time. Use this space strategically to include images which showcase the product, its features, benefits, packaging, and top reviews.

You can also incorporate images which highlight how the product works or its ingredients, if applicable. These visuals provide context and keep users informed without overwhelming them with excessive text. This approach enhances the browsing experience and helps users make more informed decisions.

6. Add a Find in Store CTA

If your products are available in physical stores, adding a “Find in Store” CTA can drive more foot traffic to these locations. It’s important, however, to avoid disrupting the PDP flow.

Consider placing the CTA subtly to maintain a smooth user experience. A message such as “Need it Today? Find in Store” effectively guides users to the store without confusing them or diminishing engagement with the PDP.

An experiment was conducted by adding the text “Need it Today? Find in Store,” which delivered excellent results. This change significantly increased visits to the Find in Store page while also boosting all major KPIs.

Results

• ‍Find in Store page visits: +29.5% uplift
• Add to Cart: +3.95% uplift
• Purchase Conversion Rage: +4.47% uplift
• Revenue per User: +11.9% uplift
• AOV: +6.85% uplift

Obviously, it is risky to navigate the users out of the PDP. Experiment with presentation—ideally opening the store locator in a pop-up to avoid navigating users away from the page.

7. Optimize Your Product Descriptions

A well-written product description is essential for educating users about a product’s core features and benefits. Many users scroll down to this section after viewing images, so make sure it is impactful.

Bullet points are useful for breaking down information into easily scannable details, highlighting the most important aspects. Ensure the description is both concise and informative, as this could be the final push needed for a customer to add the product to their cart.

8. Offer a Size Guide

A size guide is critical for products where sizing is a consideration, such as clothing or accessories. The size guide should be easily accessible without redirecting users away from the PDP. Opening it in a pop-up is an ideal solution.

This feature is especially useful for international customers, as sizing standards can differ by region. It helps reduce the chances of returns due to sizing errors, ensuring a smoother shopping experience.

9. Offer Similar products

Including a “Similar Products” carousel on your PDP can help users find the best fit without returning to the collection page. This feature allows users to continue browsing relevant items, keeping them engaged throughout their shopping experience.

Offering alternatives or complementary products ensures the buying journey remains seamless. It encourages additional exploration and brings users one step closer to completing their purchase.

Conclusion

Optimizing your Product Detail Page with these best practices not only enhances user experience but also improves overall business metrics such as conversion rates and average order value. Simple changes, for instance adding sticky CTAs, highlighting shipping information, and leveraging product carousels, can significantly influence a user’s decision-making process.

These practices are effective but may not apply universally to every business. Implement them thoughtfully and test different features to ensure your PDP meets the specific needs of your customers while achieving your desired results.